Hugo Ekitike has been a revelation since he joined Liverpool in the summer.
Many thought that the Frenchman would come in and instantly become Alexander Isak’s back-up, but at the moment, that’s been far from the case.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man has arguably been one of the Reds’ best players this season, with Dominik Szoboszlai not too far behind him.
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
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And now that he’s been a part of Arne Slot’s squad for a couple of months, he’s already admitted that Ibrahima Konate has become like a brother to him.
Ibrahima Konate has been like a ‘brother’ to Hugo Ekitike since he joined Liverpool
Before joining Liverpool, Ekitike was overlooked by Didier Deschamps despite his solid form for Frankfurt towards the latter end of the 2024-25 season.
And, even during the first international break after Ekitike got off to a flying start for Liverpool, Deschamps still chose against calling him up.
Since then, France’s manager seems to have come to his senses and has finally given Liverpool’s talisman his international debut.
And now, while speaking to ESPN UK, Ekitike was asked to describe his national teammates in one word.
When asked about Konate, he replied: “Brother.”
Not only does this show how quickly he’s managed to integrate within Liverpool’s first-team squad, but it also outlines how quickly he’s got used to being a part of France’s national team.
Hugo Ekitike must start every Liverpool game, even when Alexander Isak is back in action
Ever since Isak joined Liverpool on deadline day, a debate has been had about who the Reds’ starting striker should be.
Looking at Ekitike and Isak’s form from last season, it feels obvious that the latter of the two should be the one leading the line.
However, because the Sweden international chose to go on strike at Newcastle to force his way out of St James’ Park in the summer, he had no pre-season and was only just getting back to full fitness before his injury.
However, even in the snippets of performances that Liverpool’s fans have seen from Isak, it’s clear that Ekitike should be the one to lead the line for now.
The Frenchman seems to be able to create something out of nothing, and he’s often been rather clinical when presented with a chance in the final third.
Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images
Ekitike also drops back a bit more than Isak, and with Liverpool having Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah as inverted wingers, their strikers dropping back and creating chances is essential.
At the moment, Slot doesn’t have the dilemma of who to start due to Isak’s injury, but even when Isak is ready to feature again, it’s hard to see why Ekitike should be dropped.